Prepare for an online teaching interview

Check what you have been asked to do

• Confirm the date, named time zone, duration and software.
• Check the learner age, subject, level and lesson aim.
• Ask whether to use supplied materials or prepare your own.
• Find out who will take part and whether anyone will act as a learner.
• Clarify whether any teaching task is paid and how recordings will be used.
• Request any access arrangements you need to take part.

If instructions are missing, ask a short question: “Could you confirm the lesson length, learner level and materials I should use?” Keep a copy of the reply.

A five minute practice lesson (demo lesson)

This is an optional rehearsal exercise. Adapt it to the employer’s task.

1. Set a small goal. Explain what the learner will practise. For example: describing a daily routine, supporting a reading claim with evidence, or adding two fractions with different denominators.
2. Show one example. Make your explanation visible and check one part of it with a question.
3. Let the learner try. Give a similar task, allow thinking time and listen to the response.
4. Respond to what happened. Offer a useful prompt or correction, and adjust if the task was too easy or too hard.
5. Close with a check. Ask for a new example or a brief explanation, then name a possible next step.

Practise with someone you trust or record yourself. Check whether the aim, instructions and materials are clear. Plain Chalk has free ESL, ELA and maths lesson materials you can adapt for practice.

Questions you may be asked, and how to answer

• How do you teach? Describe one approach and a real example of using it.
• How do you support a learner who is stuck? Explain what you noticed, what you tried and what happened. Leave out any detail that could identify a student.
• What experience do you bring? Use real examples from teaching, tutoring or relevant work. If you are new, explain what you have practised and what support you would need.
• When can you work? State your availability and the time zone it sits in. Tell them which hours you can offer, and ask which hours they will pay for.
• What would you do if a lesson were interrupted? Explain your practical backup plan and ask about the employer’s procedure.
• Why this role? Refer to a specific subject, learner group or responsibility in the vacancy.

Questions to ask the employer

Clarify the paid unit, preparation time, schedule, cancellation rules and next application step. If a detail affects your decision, ask for it in writing. Use the teaching setup checklist to track the documents and equipment this application needs.

Before you join

Open the files the employer sent and test your sound, camera and screen sharing in the software you will use. Keep your lesson notes and the vacancy details nearby. Follow the employer’s rules on scripts, materials and assistance during an assessment.